After my classic Mini's convertible top shrank and suffered vandalism, I bought in an overseas re-skinning kit that I quickly realized was more than a DIY project. Classic Leyland Restorations in Prospect, CT (who have done wonderful mechanical and bodywork on my Mini - I highly recommend them as well), recommended AutoMat. The owner Tim provided an estimate around half the price of two other shops that I had approached (one very far away in PA) and could schedule me in just a few weeks. The final cost was higher due both to reinforcements/padding they applied to prevent the frame spines from tearing the new skin, and their decision to remove the entire frame from the roof of the car, but it was still less expensive than other shops. [[HIGHLIGHT]]And their customer service is top-notch - they even gave the car a courtesy interior cleaning and gave me a lift to the train station after my first attempt to pick up the car.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I say "1st attempt" because the top wasn't 100% right at first - the new skin looked great, but the mechanism was binding when opening and closing. But they worked on it further and I was happy with how it functioned when I returned again to pick it up. Verdict: Skip the other shops; Go to AutoMat - they do great work! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]My experience at AutoMat was top notch.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They were responsive, timely, thorough, and I love the way my new seat came out. I could not give them a higher rating! read more

I had Automat replace the convertible top on my 1965 Mustang as well as replace the carpeting and door panels. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Working with Tim was great, he was extremely knowledgeable and went through all of the options available including ways to minimize costs.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]During the process Tim had me come in to review progress and make additional decisions.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Tim and his team did a thorough review of the car and identified critical issues with rusting as well as with the functioning of the engine and brakes that needed to be addressed. After the work was completed, the car is running probably better than it ever has. Tim and his team clearly care about the quality of the work that they do and came across as trustworthy and always willing to help in any way that they can. I would highly recommend Automat for a wide range of auto work. read more

AutoMat Custom & Restoration - Car Stereo Installation Near Me - Hicksville, New York

See all

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This is the LAST place I would take a car that I love.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I brought my almost mint 89 BMW 635csi there for a seat repair and told them I was on a budget, eight grand later I had a driver seat that was too big, a new radio that still isn't working, and it also cost me a little less than a grand to undo what they did to my engine, which they said needed spark plugs. I'm sure I'm forgetting some of the stuff that they told me I needed. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I've been a car guy my whole adult life and I wouldn't bring my special car there again for free.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's been three years now, and I still can barely get myself to even look at it anymore.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]One last thing, I explained to them at the beginning that this was a special car,as it was the last year of that body style and it's red with a black interior, the same as the car on their coffee table book[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. My advice would be stay away!!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's now been almost five years since I posted the first review, and even though Tim knew my name and number, I've never heard from them. Not so much as even a call to see what the problems were. Nothing at all.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They didn't even acknowledge the fact that they put the chrome grills on the back deck of a car that was deliberately blacked out.... read more

You can see Tim has a lot of explaining to do by all the other 1-star reviews he responds to. What a pack of lies! To set the record straight once again, I took EVERY option they suggested. All the mechanical parts, etc. Never once did they suggest otherwise. I guess Tim is saying that if you have an old car that needs work find somebody else to do the job? On this I completely agree. There is one truth in Tims response. I never paid for or asked for the emergency brake repair. They told me that the mechanic fixed it for me without asking because it never was discussed. I was at the time grateful. Until like everything else they did it fell apart again. Thousands down the drain. "Multiple attempts to resolve leak at no charge"! Are you joking. I spent hours driving back and forth, waiting, etc. They never fixed anything! Older BMW? Its 1994! Tim, do you only work on new cars under warranty? This place is a complete joke. read more

Owner claims employee pulled vehicle in slowly. I wasn't present so can't say how fast car was going but ended up costing over 6k to fix. Hardly minor scratch as owner states. [[HIGHLIGHT]]As far as returning customer, this was only second time I used this company and the last.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I left my Murano Cabriolet convertible with Tim. He told me he couldn't get to it right away. One year later, excuse after excuse; he offered to put it back together without the working top so that I could use it without the top working. read more

Tim and his team performed reupholstery on my 67 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 bucket seats. They did an amazing job with outstanding customer service and quality of workmanship. I highly recommend Automat for all your upholstery needs. read more

A friend of mine got a burn home in the seat of my moms brand new car, I had to get it fixed before she realized and AutoMat saved me. I checked three other places across long island and they gave me the best rate. Tim was super friendly and accommodating. I got my car back looking good as new and it didn't take much time at all. I'll recommend them to everyone now read more

AutoMat Custom & Restoration - Car Stereo Installation Near Me - Hicksville, New York

See all

They fixed my convertible top on my 04 bmw 330ci. It had a huge water leak that was causing me mechanical problems, the top wouldn't convert at all & it was just a huge mess. They were super friendly and answered my questions about everything. Would totally recommend. read more

I needed the interior done for my 65 Skylark restomod and I couldn't have picked a better place even the shop that did the rebuild of the car in NC was amazed at the job AutoMat did. Tim the owner took time out of his busy schedule and helped me design a award winning interior. Go see those guys and you won't be disappointed in their work and prices. I will use them again, that's the best compliment I can give them. read more

See all

When I walked in with my homely 14-year-old car, the folks at AutoMat asked what I'd like done. Then I just looked at them and smiled, they laughed, and said, "Everything, right?" I had heard about AutoMat for years, and they deserve their reputation. Tim went through all of the options with me, including ways to save money. Even halfway through the process they invited me in to review the progress and to fine tune anything else I wanted. In the end, the car looks far better than it did at the dealership on the day I bought it in 2009, and in my opinion better than any other new car I could have replaced it with. I could not think of a better place to take your car. read more

This company offers the worst service they don't stand behind their work I had a new roof installed on my mustang GT the roof is leaking and has caused damage to my electrical system I brought the car back two times to have the problem fixed when they couldn't figure out the problem the owner try to pick a fight with a strong attitude save your money go somewhere else they have no gentleman to him and from his action he's done it before read more

Several years ago, I brought my car to Automat to have an upholstery seam repaired. The repair was done at a reasonable price, though perhaps a bit higher than some competitors. When completed, the stitching looked good and was a close match to the surrounding upholstery. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago, I noticed that the stitches in the repair were starting to separate. I contacted Automat to ask if they would consider re-doing the seam under warranty. I realized that this was a "big ask." In light of the number of years that have passed since the original repair, the company would be well within its rights to refuse the request, or to ignore my e-mail (which it did). However, to score an exemplary rating on social media, a business typically needs to perform at a commensurate level (i.e., beyond the bare minimum requirements). I would likely have added a star if my e-mail had been acknowledged, and perhaps another two stars had a warranty repair been offered. read more

AutoMat Custom & Restoration - This Automat repair remained intact for several years before coming apart. - Car Stereo Installation Near Me - Hicksville, New York

I would like to take this opportunity to let the world know that I'm tickled pink with the outstanding and professional work AutoMat has done on the installation of a manually-operated convertible top for my MR2 sports car. Without hesitation, I am recommending AutoMat to anyone who wants the highest quality of workmanship for their car. I definitely would give AutoMat the maximum stars possible. My new top fits like a glove, it opens and closes with ease, and it has a nice, tight fit when it's closed. Now, be advised that I am writing this recommendation, not one or two days after, but a few weeks after the work was done. I'm doing this because I wanted to be absolutely sure that I am 100% satisfied with the work done before I go endorsing anyone, and I certainly am - there have been no leaks at all considering the car is not garaged and it has already been through four heavy rainstorms and half a hurricane! The top still opens and closes with the greatest of ease, and it really looks terrific - as if it were installed yesterday. I know for a fact this convertible top installation was not an easy install. I once had it done several years ago by a shop who claimed they were experienced, but they ended up doing a botch job and had my car in their garage for three days when this is really a one day job. That cheap top they installed did not last long, so when I decided to have it replaced because the quality of the top and the installation was poor, I began to search around for another company to install the new top. I was quite surprised to learn that some shops simply turned down the job because it was either too complicated, they were too busy, or maybe they just didn't know how to do it. Some shops took my name and number and said they would get back to me with an estimate. They never did. It was through a show-biz friend of mine that I learned about AutoMat. I want to mention that every employee I met at AutoMat was very professional, courteous, and helpful in addressing any question or concern that I had. The name of the gentleman I worked with is Tim, and I strongly recommend bringing your car in and speaking with him first to discuss what you would like to have done. It'll cost you nothing to find out how reasonable first-class quality work can be. Tim listens carefully to what the customer wants, or has to say, and he can offer valuable input or options to your ideas stemming from his years of experience. And when it comes to doing the work on time, my car was ready for pickup when promised. In my case, the same day. Last but not least, there were no add-ons or surprises to the bill. What I ended up paying was exactly what he quoted me at the beginning, nothing more. Now that I have seen and experienced the excellent quality of work AutoMat has to offer, I will no doubt be going back for future projects. AutoMat is now my go-to place for any upholstery or convertible top work. Give them a try, visit the shop, you'll see what I mean. read more

At first, I was skeptical. I had a golf cart that I needed the seats to be reupholstered. I heard of AutoMat and knew their work was top notch on cars. I wasn't sure if they would work on a golf cart or even take my project serious. Then I spoke to Tim. We scheduled a meeting where I met with him at AutoMat in Hicksville. Tim not only treated me and my project as if we were discussing a high end car he made suggestions that I never even thought of. Fine details such as the material color, texture, thread color, piping color, and even stripe thickness. To say that I was blown away with his creativity with details would be an under statement, so based my ideas and Tim's suggestions I gave him the job. I knew at that time I came to the right place. He told me that it would take three weeks and exactly three weeks later his office called me and said that my seats were ready. This was when I actually was getting nervous because I was hoping that AutoMat was actually able to due what I was seeing in my mind. When I walked in, and Tim saw me, he was so excited to show me the completed project. He walked me through his office and the warehouse. There on the workbench were my seats. I was floored at the workmanship and the quality of materials. I just couldn't stop looking and touching the seats. It was almost magical to me that they were able to transform my old beat up seats to what I would call a work of art. I would absolutely recommend sitting down with Tim at AutoMat to discuss any projects that you would want to come out perfect. Once I install the seats I will update my review with before and after pictures. Thank You, Steve Albano read more

I had some restoration work done on my convertible, and was very impressed with both the people there and the quality of the work. They laid out what could be done, and did not try to "oversell" me - i.e. there were some improvements that COULD have been done but I was told they were probably not worth doing. My 1996 convertible looks about 10 years newer after the work, and I plan to have the top replaced by AutoMat in the spring. It's very hard to find ANY convertible restoration place these days, so I'm grateful that AutoMat is in business and fulfilled my needs. read more

My first experience with Tim and the guys at Automat was phenomenal We set the date in advance we agreed on price and scope and they performed the work to a very high standard of excellence I am so extremely happy my 1985 MB SL500 Euro is back to where it belongs Highly recommend this team Michael Sadis read more

I have used AutoMart for two years and I trust Tim more than I've ever trusted anyone with my car... he is fair in pricing and honors his warranties... the work is better than the dealerships' work who usually overcharge for work that is average... Tom performs his work with passion for doing a great job. And he and his team are successful in accomplishing that result... a great job done!!! read more

I brought the interior door panels of my 1958 Cadillac to be reupholstered. After a short discussion, Tim convinced me to redo everything, including the door panels, seats, kick panels, carpet and trim. It was well worth it. The car has been transformed with all original style fabric and vinyl. The quality of work is just outstanding. read more

Tim and his team created a musical paradise with a new Bluetooth stereo. As a bonus, our 20 year old slk 320 coup came back looking like it was fresh from the dealer. read more

Tim and the team are amazing! My Grand National is totally transformed!!

I brought my Audi A5 convertible to Tim to replace and redye a passenger seat cushion. when I picked it up the car the dye job was perfect on a replacement cushion I had bought however the airbag light was now on. I was told to bring car back which I did . they had forgotten to plug in a sensor but when I picked up the car the second time they charged me for diagnosis and repair even though they caused this. They should not have charged me and stood behind their work. I brought a porsche targa top to be refurbished because of vinyl fading and wind noise from seals. when I picked up the car it looked fine. there was still substantial wind noise when I drove it home.I brought the car to a classic porsche maitenance specialist for routine service. They told me the vinyl was cut short. I sent Tim photos to his icloud email several times and never got any responses. I thought this was the right choice to use Automat. I regret it now. Randy Weber read more

I have been a Proud Customer since 1976. Automat has taken all my cars over the years to a Better and More Enjoyable Level. In February 2014 Automat started Restoring my 1964 Amphicar. It is now better than Original Condition !! They have also Customized my 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 1972 Volvo 1800 - E, 1973 Volvo 1800 -ES, 1966 ALFA Spyder, 2008 Audi R-8, 2002 Mercedes CLK 430. Their workers are Truly the Best in Mechanical, Electronics, Upholstery and Solving Problems !!!!!!!! The Craftsmanship is PERFECT ! The Completed Work was on Time ! You will be Very Happy with the Results from Automat Jeff Elson - Westhampton read more

I had a nice experience with Auto Mat We looked at the car together on the lift with the mechanic. He found all the prior work and pointed out the cause of a problem I was looking for in 10 seconds. They even tok care of a few details that were needed without asking me, and didn't charge extra ! They treated the car like it belonged to a friend or themselves! They know that the customers are attached to the car. Cant ask for more than that ! read more

Automat was recommended by a friend ,I had them make two cushions for the engine cover of my boat .they did a great job .perfect fit ,high quality materials.highly recommended . read more

So, I used them to re-create boat cushions which turned out nicely, then I gave them my cockpit cover from the boat, they used the old one to create a new one, the velcro tabs don't reach each other and half the snaps don't reach the male counter parts, so I have to use extenders which fall off occasionally, I tried to get them to fix it, but they stopped replying. Now I have a convertible top to fix, but not here! read more

I needed servicing of the upholstery in my Honda. Awesome service, great attention to detail. Met with Matt, great pride in what this business provides. He explaIned AutoMat has a long history of customizing and caring for cars. Both classic and cars such as mine. He even gave me s tour of the shop and work in progress! High recommendation! read more

This seems to be the new mecca for restoring cars! Plus on the weekends they have nice car shows! Aside from the weekend car shows, you can just pass by during the week and check out the current cars that they are working on now, or people that have just passed by. I have only been there once to get a quote on a seat repair, and I was greeted and helped right away. They really know what they are doing there. If I ever needed anything cosmetically restored this will be the place! read more

STAY AWAY! Terrible owner rude and obnoxious. Not helpful and didn't even attempt to satisfy his customer's request. Asked to make a seat more comfortable and did a terrible job and I kindly explained what I didn't like about the job and he flat out denied to re-do it for no reason. He told my grandpa and I to get lost because he has real customers to attend to. Unprofessional place highly do not recommend! read more

They do a pretty good job! I used them twice on the same car. They did high quality work and delivered the car as the promised (the only issue I had was a screw was loose but the dealer tightened it at no cost when I had service done on my car; this is a very minor point but I am mentioning it because it is what happened. And I am sure they would have taken care of it but the distance was an issue for me). They are not inexpensive so be prepared to spend some $$$$. However, I found them to be friendly and accomodating. Also they are nice about showing you their shop so if you are a car guy or gal, then that is fun. I would recommend them and I plan to use them again!!!! read more

I recommend Automat to all my friends with classic cars. As a first time customer, they checked my car out thoroughly, guiding me to correct basic safety and mechanical issues before focusing on the more exciting cosmetic repairs. Automat can work skillfully on all aspects of cars and in accordance with your appetite to modify or keep original. Everyone I have met at Automat is a car enthusiast. They share your passion for cars and it shows all at reasonable prices. And the annual car show in June is a blast! Mike C. read more

WARNING!!! AUTOMAT HICKSVILLE.The worst service I ever Experienced...I completely 110% regret ever hiring them. They are dishonest & way overpriced for the quality they deliver!?@#!. They added items into my bill & invoice for things I didn't need done to my car. Still charged me for them & never even did them, Poor quality work, totally unprofessional service wouldn't use them ever again.....what a waste of my money....terrible company I do not recommend even even visiting there outdated facility & not worth it. ZERO STARS REVIEW or on a scale from 1-10 I give them a big fat ZERO. read more

Great place to have a car restored! They are friendly and accommodating. The prices are not cheap but you get what you pay for! My '66 Mustang looks like a gem now, and get complements no matter where I go. The technicians are true artisans, and they know their business! I think this is the best place to have restoration work done and am glad I was referred here. read more

The owner of the establishment replaced my backseat with the wrong material, despite my declaration that my car was in fact leatherette, and not true leather. He assured me that my car was indeed leather, not leatherette. I accepted his opinion as truth as he has been doing this for a long time and should indeed be more familiar with upholstery than I am. When I came to pick up my car, I noticed that there was an extreme difference in texture, feel and appearance between the two grains despite the fact that the leather was ordered directly from the manufacturer. The reason why is obvious; my car's upholstery was indeed leatherette, not leather, which I had directly stated in the first consultation. When approached about the mistake, his true arrogance showed and would refuse to admit the he was wrong. He claimed that the rest of my car is leather (lie) and that there are just differences between the materials. Additionally, when the issue was brought to his attention, he became defensive and frankly just plain mean. He refused to help with the situation and he ruined my car. I am taking it elsewhere to fix the shitty job he did. I paid $400 to have a small insert in my car replaced, and all I got was a shitty repair and a man with a horrible attitude. I'd avoid his place at all costs. He lets his arrogance reign over customer satisfaction. This shop is a recipe for disaster. read more